Oman Climate Week: United to accelerate action

Muscat: To accelerate climate action, the Environment Authority (EA), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Sultan Qaboos University, the Ministry of Higher Education Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and Birba, is organising the inaugural edition of Oman Climate Week from February 24-27, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat.

Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri

This announcement was made at a media briefing in Muscat on Monday by Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority. Speaking to the Observer, he said, “Oman Climate Week is going to be an important stop on the international climate change map. It will follow other major global climate events, which will be discussed here. Scientific research is one of the most important aspects of the event, in addition to the participation of youth, SMEs, public and private sectors, as well as regional and international organisations.”

He pointed out that Oman actively addresses climate change through its commitments under the Paris Agreement, Oman Vision 2040, and a National Climate Strategy. Key efforts include emission reductions, energy efficiency, climate adaptation plans, green hydrogen production, and investments in renewable energy. The Sultanate of Oman’s first Climate Week is aligned with the country's commitment to address climate change by Oman Vision 2040 and the Paris Agreement. The event series will explore the cooperation necessary to achieve a 1.5°C aligned outcome in 2025 in line with commitments made at COP29 and will focus on collaboration across governments and sectors to reduce climate impact.

The event will include a three-day exhibition at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Networking Hub, Strategic Conference, Science and Tech Talks, Women and Climate, Masterclass Workshops, and Field Trips. The Climate Awards will be held on February 26th.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mohammed al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at Oman’s Environment Authority, emphasised the urgency of the climate crisis affecting our planet. He said, “The rapid environmental breakdown, the massive economic fallout, and the health and security crisis have made immediate climate action necessary to protect human lives and ensure global stability.”

In light of the occasion, the Environment Authority unveiled the logo for Oman Climate Week, representing ‘Life in a Sustainable World,’ which symbolises life on land, our plant life, life below water, and a sustainable world.

Dr Al Kalbani outlined the six goals for Oman Climate Week: fostering climate action, facilitating regional cooperation, driving local and regional business, supporting the adoption and scaling of solutions, showcasing the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment, and encouraging community engagement.